CHARLES O. WILLIAMS

Charles O. Williams Sept. 27, 1931 - Jan. 9, 2015 MISHAWAKA - Charles Owen Williams, 83, of Mishawaka, IN, died in his sleep on Friday afternoon, January 9, 2015. He was born September 27, 1931, in South Bend, Indiana. On March 29, 1958, he married Marlyn Sue Fall of South Bend, IN. He is survived by his wife, Marlyn; daughter, Dr. Lori Tagger of St. Louis, MO; son, Brett (Tammi) Williams of Chicago, IL; son, Rev. Jeffrey (Beverly) Williams of Wayland, MI; grandchildren, Lindsey (Callan) Sherd of Lincoln, NE, Sarah and Amanda Williams of Wayland, MI, and Tyler, A.J. and MacKenzie Williams of Chicago, IL.

His parents, Charles Owen Williams Sr. and Ruth (Backstrom) Williams, and brother, James R. Williams, preceded him in death.

He will be remembered for the many celebrations and gatherings he enjoyed with his family, including multiple trips to St. Louis and a special vacation to Disney in December 2013. He enjoyed reading, solitude, learning, and was a family historian and caretaker. He was most recently a member of Clay United Methodist Church in South Bend, transferring from Three Oaks (MI) United Methodist Church.

Charles earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Western Michigan University, and a Doctoral degree in Education from Ball State University. His professional life was in education as a remedial English teacher, junior high school principal, counselor, administrator and public school superintendent. He retired from River Valley Schools in Three Oaks, MI' in 1995. In retirement he continued teaching English literature, speech and school administration through Western Michigan University, Lake Michigan Community College, Southwestern Michigan Community College, Purdue University North Central and the Westville Correctional Facility. He contributed greatly to the advancement and relevance of public education.

He was an Air Force veteran who served during the Korean Conflict.

Memorial service arrangements are being handled through the Welsheimer Family Funeral Home, 17033 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN. In accordance with his wishes, cremation will be taking place. Visitation is scheduled from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, January 13. A memorial service is scheduled for 11:00 am on Wednesday, January 14. The visitation and service are at the funeral home. A meal will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to River Valley High School for the establishment of a memorial scholarship for a River Valley Senior. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Jan. 12, 2015.

03/13/2023 EJS